Caregiver Success Stories

Keen Eyes, Ears Can Help Prevent Theft and Fraud of Senior Citizens
OMAHA, Nebraska — Scam artists often target senior citizens for their trusting nature and honesty. Whether through phone calls or direct mail pieces, senior citizens are one of the most sought-after groups by thieves.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that senior citizens are often the targets of such scams because they have financial nest eggs, they own their homes and they have excellent credit ratings. Scam artists often focus their efforts on individuals who are in a position to make expensive purchases, the FBI reports.

“The best advice is the same advice you have heard for years,” said Allen Hager, Founder of Right at Home. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

By remaining aware of who is contacting senior citizens, family members can reduce the risk of financial fraud.

“You have to know who is working with your family member or who is involved in his or her life on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis,” Hager said. “When you talk with your loved one, listen for any suspicious conversations they have had with unknown parties over the telephone. Diligence is one of the ways fraud is often caught.”

Hager also reminds seniors and their family members to review bank statements and other financial documents that arrive in the mail.

“Speak with your family member and find out who they’re talking to,” Hager said. “Discuss the issues of identity theft and fraud. Remind them not to provide Social Security numbers or bank account information to strangers over the phone, strangers who come to the door or to Web sites on the Internet.”

Hager adds that any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to police, bank officials or other authorities.

“Obtain as much information as you can from your loved one,” Hager said. “Senior citizens may not want to report the incident because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. If it happened to your family member, it most certainly has happened to someone else. The only way to combat this type of crime is to report it.”

Right at Home offers in-home supportive care and assistance to seniors and other adults to help them continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all direct care provider staff, is bonded and insured, and carefully pre-screens all caregivers prior to their entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by local independent owners. Some offices provide medical home healthcare, as well. Right at Home’s home office is based in Omaha, Neb., with franchise offices throughout the United States. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s Web site at www.rightathome.net.

Editor's Note: Right at Home founder Allen Hager is available for interviews.
Please call (877) 697-7537 to schedule an interview.

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